HC Studio Crabapple vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the HC Studio Crabapple and the Akko Penguin offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Crabapple, a linear switch crafted entirely from POM, provides a frictionless typing experience with a dry smoothness and subtle texture felt with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Penguin from Akko is a tactile switch ideal for office environments due to its silent profile and satisfying feedback from its rounded tactile bump. While the Crabapple is known for its mild and understated sound signature, the Penguin strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use with its medium weight. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the Akko Penguin differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Crabapple features POM top and bottom housings, which create a pleasing and unique sound that is deeper and relatively more muted. On the other hand, the Penguin uses nylon for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. While both switches aim for a deeper sound profile, the choice of material sets them apart in terms of their overall sound characteristics.
In terms of construction, the Crabapple's POM housing offers a slightly different typing experience compared to the Penguin's nylon housing. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down, impacting the overall typing experience. Meanwhile, the top housing influences the sound produced when a key is released, adding to the overall tactile feedback of the switch. The use of different materials for the top and bottom housings in the Crabapple creates a balanced typing experience with distinct sound profiles, while the Penguin's consistent use of nylon results in a more uniform sound across the switch.
Overall, both the HC Studio Crabapple and the Akko Penguin showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the sound profile and typing experience of a switch. While the Crabapple utilizes POM for its top and bottom housings, creating a unique sound profile that is deep and muted, the Penguin opts for nylon throughout, resulting in a fuller and rounder sound. Despite their differences, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with distinct sound characteristics, showcasing the versatility of housing materials in custom keyboard design.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch both play a significant role in the typing experience. The Crabapple has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience. In contrast, the Penguin has a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, offering a more tactile and substantial typing feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Crabapple, while users looking for a more robust typing experience may lean towards the Penguin. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches boils down to personal preference based on whether a lighter or heavier force is preferred.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3mm. In this case, the Penguin switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Crabapple switch. Both fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular with gamers for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable to some users. Those who prefer a more abrupt key press may lean towards the Penguin switch, while those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes may favor the Crabapple switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HC Studio Crabapple has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Crabapple for $4.70.
The Akko Penguin has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Penguin for $3.10.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Crabapple linear switch produces a subdued sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature that is not completely silent. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is described as having a muted sound profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience. Both switches aim to minimize noise, with the Crabapple offering a mild and understated sound, while the Penguin delivers a more neutral sound suitable for various environments. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Crabapple linear switch is known for its frictionless typing experience, offering an effortlessly smooth journey with each keypress. It also features a mild feel that is approachable to most users, along with a subtle texture felt during typing. In contrast, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is described as polished, providing a sleek and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, it offers a mild and gentle typing experience that suits a wide range of users, along with a feathery feel that requires minimal exertion from the fingers. Both switches aim to strike a balance between comfort and performance, catering to different preferences in typing feel.
Overall, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch each offer unique qualities in sound and feel. The Crabapple excels in providing a subtle and smooth typing experience with a mild sound signature, while the Penguin focuses on delivering a quiet and polished typing feel with a gentle tactile feedback. Depending on personal preferences in sound and feel, users can choose between these switches to enjoy a satisfying typing experience tailored to their liking. Ultimately, both switches offer a high level of quality and performance that will result in a positive typing experience for users, providing similar results in terms of comfort and efficiency.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience and noise level. If you prioritize a smooth, frictionless typing journey with a subtle sound signature, the Crabapple switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a rounded tactile bump for satisfying feedback while maintaining a quiet profile, the Penguin switch could be more suitable, especially for office environments where noise minimization is crucial. Additionally, take into account the bottom out force difference, with the Crabapple being lighter at 45 grams and the Penguin being medium at 60 grams. By evaluating these factors, you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.
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